Olympics hopefuls Hull and Hall set to play Aramco Team Series in London

Olympic hopeful Charley Hull is set to take part in the Aramco Team Series in London. (Supplied)
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Updated 28 July 2024
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Olympics hopefuls Hull and Hall set to play Aramco Team Series in London

  • Georgia Hall aims to retain her 2023 team title in Britain
  • World No. 8 Charley Hull gearing up for potential gold at 2024 Paris Olympics

LONDON: The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – London in July is shaping up as a preview for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Great Britain’s Charley Hull and Georgia Hall leading the early field announcements.

The two are sure to be a hit with the home crowds, and with further announcements set to follow on a strong field, both are looking to build on outstanding 2023 outings at the tournament.

Last year, Hull came up just short to American Nelly Korda in the individual competition, while Hall was able to captain her team to victory in extremely difficult conditions, edging out Hull’s team by just one stroke.

Now England’s dynamic duo, who are also long-time best friends, are aiming to secure their places at the 2024 Paris Olympics and become the first to win a medal for Team GB in a women’s golf event.

The golf at the Olympics, where Korda is set to defend her gold medal from Tokyo 2020, tees off a little over a month after the Aramco Team Series London event, and the Major-like event at Centurion Club will provide the pair the perfect opportunity to prepare for the grand stage of the sport.

Hull has recently achieved a career-high Rolex Women’s Golf World Ranking of seventh following her impressive T2 finish at the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Tampa in March 2024.

Reflecting on her preparations for the summer, Hull commented: “At the start of the season I sat down and thought about how I wanted this year to pan out. I knew that there would be an important summer of golf ahead with the Olympic Games, Solheim Cup and chasing down my first Major title.

“I’m in the best place I’ve ever been in my career, mentally and physically. Sticking to the gym in those early hours and achieving 5 km personal bests was a way to ground myself and clear my head, and this is really helping me out on the course.

“To have the Aramco Team Series at home is the best way to open the intense summer ahead. Playing in a field with some of the players I’ll face in Paris, and at a tournament like this that has that Major-like feel, will be a great dress rehearsal for me to aim for that gold medal.”

Hall, looking to defend her Aramco Team Series London team title, sees the event as a crucial step in her 2024 campaign, which could well feature the Solheim Cup in September.

“The Aramco Team Series in London will be my first appearance in the event this year and I’m buzzing to get back into playing with a team which will hopefully be a great transition to the Solheim Cup in September,” Hall said.

“Competing against Charley as a team captain again, so close to home, will add an extra layer of excitement, especially with friends and family cheering us on. I’ve played my fair share of Majors and outside of those, the Aramco Team Series matches the energy and field the best. It’s always a great competition with the top players out there.”

Joining Hull and Hall will be a competitive Ladies European Tour field, including Anne Van Dam of the Netherlands, Singapore’s Shannon Tan, and India’s Diksha Dagar — all using the event as a platform to fine-tune their skills ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.


Smash GC announces 2026 LIV Golf roster as Harold Varner III joins lineup

Updated 22 January 2026
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Smash GC announces 2026 LIV Golf roster as Harold Varner III joins lineup

  • Talor Gooch-led team returns with lineup built for depth and competitiveness as LIV Golf kicks off new season in Riyadh

NEW YORK: Smash GC of the LIV Golf League today announced its official roster for the 2026 season with the addition of Harold Varner III. Varner joins newly minted captain Talor Gooch and returning veterans Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell.

The team blends winning pedigree, global experience and a competitive edge, reinforcing the team’s identity as one of LIV Golf’s most battle-tested lineups.

Varner, who made his LIV Golf debut in 2022, brings a mix of global experience and personal drive. He earned his first LIV Golf individual win in 2023 at LIV Golf DC after sinking a hole-out from the bunker for a birdie mid-round to claim a one-stroke victory. He joins Smash GC after a steady performance in 2025 with 4Aces GC, when he finished in the top 10 four times.

“Smash GC is a team that competes with confidence and edge,” Varner said. “I’m excited to join a group that believes in what it’s building and is focused on winning. I’m ready to get to work and contribute meaningfully in 2026.”

Gooch will lead Smash GC in 2026 after being officially named captain last December. One of LIV Golf’s most accomplished and consistent performers, he brings a performance-driven mindset and a deep understanding of team competition. He reunites with Varner after the two played together with RangeGoats GC during 2023, which was both Gooch’s and Varner’s most successful LIV Golf season.

In addition to Varner’s DC win, Gooch won three tournaments and the season-long individual championship. Rounding out the 2026 roster are Kokrak, who has delivered key individual and team performances throughout his LIV Golf tenure, and McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion and longtime Ryder Cup standout who brought steady play to the 2025 season combined with his experience, leadership and competitive instincts.

“Adding Harold to Smash GC is a big move for us, and I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with him in 2026,” Gooch said. “He’s proven he can compete at the highest level and, as captain, I’m excited about how he strengthens our lineup and pushes our standards forward. We’re building a team that expects to contend every week, and Harold is a big part of that.”

Smash GC enters the new season following a 2025 campaign defined by resilience and competitiveness. With strong team performances and consistent individual contributions, the club laid a foundation it now aims to build upon under refreshed leadership and a reinforced roster.